The Hope Anchor

The Hope Anchor descritpion

Hotel The Hope Anchor sells fast on our site. This mid-18th century former inn offers unique rooms, free Wi-Fi, and excellent views of Rye. Good food is served in the restaurant.
Built around 1750 for local sailors and ship builders, The Hope Anchor is thought to have once sheltered the Tenterden Gang, who used its old secret passages for smuggling.
Relax next to the log fire in traditional snug bar, and enjoy the individually styled bedrooms. Some rooms have four-poster beds, and there is a separate 200-year-old cottage.
The historic Hope Anchor is a 3-star AA rated hotel and has an RAC food dining award and free parking.

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Facilities of The Hope Anchor

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and charges may apply.

Reviews for The Hope Anchor

Review 1：We were not given the room that we thought we had booked so we're a little disappointed , but the room was comfortable, just not the room with the big bath that was advertised when booking. also, I think we paid more money using Booking.Com than the hotel advertise their winter rates, so feel a bit ripped off by Booking.Com £154 with Booking.Com and £145 published in the brochure at the hotel. My father had died the day before and I wasn't in the mood to discuss this with anyone at the hotel.

Review 2：The hotel staff and cleanliness were excellent, as was the evening meal and English breakfast.

Review 3：Unfortunately the beds in the twin room were quite uncomfortable, we were very happy with the room however.

Review 4：Staff, little touches, made to feel special.

Review 5：The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Room was very nice, and the food and service in the dining room was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Review 6：The bedroom ceiling was tired and new flooring in the bathroom would turn this into 5* accommodation.

Review 7：A wonderful short break in beautiful Rye at a superb hotel with an exquisite restaurant serving top class dinner and breakfast. Comfortable room, bed and spacious bathroom.

Review 8：Four poster bed looked great but mattress was really uncomfortable - seemed as though it was a type of cheap foam one ? Was somewhat overpriced, although we had a great stay.

Review 9：Superb location Lovely room Good staff Nice cosy bar Great breakfast and bar lunch

Review 10：Difficult to get to, if driving, due to the one-way system in the town. Parking is limited due to the hotel being in the old part of town. Not a lot they can do about that though.

Review 11：Great setting in Rye. Very interesting building with lots of history. Friendly staff.

Review 12：She toilet/shower room was a bit cramped. We were staying n the "nook& cranny" room.

Review 13：Very friendly & helpful staff. The room was very comfortable with a good view.

Review 14：What was listed as a Double Room Deluxe had no resemblance whatsoever to the pictures on your website; it was fairly small, the furniture was shabby and the upholstery frayed.

Review 15：Location, location, location! A little tired-looking but plenty of charm.

Review 16：The metal sign outside our window was a bit noisy - but that was the fault of the very high winds. Perhaps a touch of WD-40... Parking is very limited, so be prepared to park elsewhere. If you park in one of the town car parks before 18:00, you can get a 24-hour ticket; otherwise you can just buy a ticket until 10am.

Review 17：Very friendly and welcoming staff.

Review 18：Bed clothes seemed a little musty, but the room was clean.

Review 19：Helpful staff, especially at breakfast, and breakfast was great! Crow's nest room was lovely, with good views.

Review 20：TV wasn't working properly and wifi signal was very weak.

Review 21：Stayed in the deluxe double room, very clean and comfy with a lovely big bathroom. Could see Camber Castle from the window.

Review 22：Extremely comfortable room with a superb view. The downside was the long haul up to reach it. Breakfast was first-class added to by a wide choice from the menu.

Review 23：Parking is a bit of a mission, the car park is tight and up cobbled streets. This is the price paid for the location. The bath was also a bit dirty.

Review 24：Lovely location in the heart of Rye. Beautiful views from the room. Very tasty breakfast.

Review 25：The staff went over and above with their service, all staff were polite, helpful and most of all looked happy in their jobs. The breakfast was delicious with a very good selection. The whole hotel was clean and comfortable.

Review 26：Bedroom (Room 24) not deluxe as classified. Somewhat tired with wallpaper peeling off walls and mould above and in shower. Quality of bedding not deluxe. Overall bit tired and disappointing.

Review 27：Welcoming and helpful reception staff. Location good for exploring Rye.

Review 28：room 6 what a lovely room couldn't fault it except the mattress needs changing as it slopes in the middle very uncomfortable

Review 29：the location was lovely the hotel was superp and the staff were very polite and the food was excellent a big thankyou

Review 30：Hand shower holder needs fixing.

Review 31：Charming hotel at great location with good views. Friendly staff. Comfortable bed. Good choice on tea tray. Breakfast ok.

Review 32：What is described as a Deluxe room had peeling wallpaper, rotten window frames (unable to close the window) and, the real killer, an emergency exit light over the bed which give out a green glow all night. Our room was in the attic with very limited headroom (expected in a character property) and we felt like we had drawn the short straw and been given the last available space, a room that should not have been let out and definitely not described as 'deluxe''. When we complained we were given a discount and told that people had complained about the room before - if that's the case why not make changes instead of making money from substandard accommodation.

Review 33：Location. Room and communal areas very clean.

Review 34：Parking was a bit of a challenge, but staff helped.

Review 35：Beautiful hotel, excellent location and wonderful staff. Lovely relaxed atmosphere. Would definitely stay again.

Review 36：Magnificent weekend at The Hope Anchor! Impeccable room (Deluxe room), very kind staff and service completed for this Charming hotel. Small very pleasant typical Bar. Perfect English breakfast. If you wish a table to the restaurant it's better to reserve in advance. We really enjoy our stay!!!

Review 37：Reported 2 faults - broken shower fitting and missing coat hangers - on first morning. Neither was sorted by the following day.

Review 38：Very good restaurant - lovely breakfast. Cosy bar

Review 39：Quit on our bed was too thick and we woke up too hot.

Review 40：Beautifully clean, mix of old & modern décor, excellent friendly service, piping hot meals both at dinner time and at breakfast time.

Review 41：Didn't realise the room didn't have a shower. Although bath tap could switch to shower there was no shower curtain to keep the water in presumably this was because the ceiling sloped making it difficult to fit.

Review 42：Great location. Excellent breakfast. Staff very friendly and helpful.

Review 43：This is a friendly small hotel where the staff make every effort and the rooms and food represent excellent value. Well located for most of the sights of Rye but with difficult parking.

Review 44：Nothing to dislike in the hotel, unless you can blame them for the weather it was foul.

Review 45：The whole experience was superb and the staff could not have been nicer the service in all departments was top class. The restaurant was very good and breakfast was everything you would expect.

Review 46：Staff are very friendly and very helpful! We received a warm welcome on arrival and all staff were happy to answer any questions with a smile. The room was very nice and reflected what you pay. We would definitely stay here again.

Review 47：Great location though not easy if disabled. Very friendly staff, good dinner and breakfast. Our bedroom was a bit dated maybe but clean It would have been difficult to get in and out of bath if not very agile…. Good wifi everywhere and free! Very friendly and helpful staff. Nice place !

Review 48：The bedroom was in the roof and you had to stoop all the time.

Review 49：Very nice hotel and the staff are always very friendly. Stayed a few times now and have always enjoyed it there.

Review 50：Couldn't have inclusive breakfast as had to leave before 8am. Dinner could not be had in hotel by any of the overnight guests as functions on. Drinks in bar seemed v expensive for a 3 star hotel.

Review 51：View from windows and character of room and hotel, sense of well being in the hotel.

Review 52：lovely position, good breakfast, room (in cottage) a bit too 'snug', but good. A bit off putting to be almost unable to get out of our gate because 3 large vehicles parked v close outside...Names of rooms somewhat twee

Review 53：Found the bed a bit uncomfortable & the shower pressure no great & kept going hot & cold

Review 54：Stayed for our 25th anniversary found location , Excellent the staff friendly & helpful breakfast was of very good quality, we only had one evening meal at the hotel and this was of good quality and friendly staff would have other meals , but we're only their for two nights and it was our anniversary wanted to experience something different

Review 55：Breakfast was no more than adequate, being a straight choice between English and vegetarian, plus the standard uncooked fare.

Review 56：The staff were welcoming and professional and their response to the single snag I encountered was immediate and constructive. I stayed in one of the apartments in a house on the other side of Watch Bell Street, which is quiet, secluded and comfortable. The evening meal was excellent and reasonably priced. The hotel clearly has a loyal following and I would certainly stay here on a future trip to Rye unless I received a truly outstanding alternative recommendation.

Review 57：Unfortunately people/person above walking about most of the night creaking floor

Review 58：Great central location for everything town centre couple minutes walk lovely views, useful having parking. Friendly helpful staff good breakfast choices

Review 59：Just personal preference: mattress was too soft.

Review 60：We had a wonderful mini break with our one year old son. The staff were so very welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. The four poster room was very spacious and clean. The food was excellent. The best hotel breakfasts we've ever had (we've had a few), and the dinner was fantastic. A great deal of £60 for four courses and a bottle of wine (a good choice of 15 wines). We will definitely be going back

Review 61：A little more attention to detail re standard of cleanliness- stained bed cover,hairs in bed and more thorough dusting required.

Review 62：Location and facilities were excellent.Good customer service- all staff pleasant and courteous.Restaurant food first class.

Review 63：Good reception on arrival with our suitcases taken up to our room for us. Information given about the restaurant and a permit obtained for car parking outside of the hotel. Our bedroom was large, comfortable, with the usual complimentary tea coffee and biscuits . Restaurant food and service was excellent.

Review 64：There was no water pressure on the bathroom. We Corel be shower and it took 90 minutes to run a 5 inch deep bath. We complained, they sent a plumber and it didn't change. We feel we were grossly over charged for this property. The TV didn't work, the phone didn't work and no water!

Review 65：Location and the cottage its self was very sweet.

Review 66：No shower as we were in the top room with a sloped ceiling in the bathroom. Great bath, but a little awkward when trying to get ready in the morning.

Review 67：Beautiful room; fantastic restaurant; great bar; friendly staff; delicious breakfast

Review 68：It was expensive -maybe because of the summer high season. You can hear dance music with heavy beats until 12.00 because of the club. I struggled to fall asleep but my friend had no problem. Bed was not comfortable.

Review 69：Room is good size (twin room). Facilities are good basically except for the bed- you could feel born of bed on your back. Location. The restaurant was great.

Review 70：I found the bed a little too hard and the pillows were not very good but the view from our bedroom was great

Review 71：The evening meal was excellent Your kitchen cooks know how to cook meat

Review 72：Not exactly a bad experience, but the quality of the tea was significantly lower than anything else - I would upgrade from Tetley teabags to something better quality

Review 73：1. The outside of the building could do with paint and serious tidying (of cables, windows etc). The outside lets down the good service and amenities within. 2. Net curtains

Review 74：1. The bed was firm & excellent. 2. Proper care over breakfast. Someone obviously knows how to make scrambled eggs properly - Commended* Fresh pastries* A decent sized pot of coffee* Altogether brilliant breakfast.

Review 75：I did not like the fact that booking .com gave me the wrong phone number for the hotel and therefore we were unable to phone the hotel to get instructions on their location. We got lost and spent approx 45 mins trying to find the hotel.

Review 76：Everything

Review 77：The staff were extremely helpful , they had the knack of making you feel that you were the only customer they had to deal with. If the owners idea is to create a home from home atmosphere they have succeeded.

Review 78：slight sewage leak from WC.

Review 79：wonderful friendly staff who are all so helpful and treat you like you are special. The great location with fabulous views good restaurant and food Comfy bed nice old world rooms very homely nicely cooked breakfast good choice served until 10am.

Review 80：Kippers on the menu for breakfast, but they had run out of of vinegar !

Review 81：It's a very good location, and the condition of the hotel is excellent, we would recommend it to other friends.

Review 82：This charming hotel has wonderful views, quiet rooms and a lovely welcoming feel to it. It is beautifully clean, comfortable and we enjoyed a super breakfast with plenty of choice.

Review 83：All of the staff were very friendly and obliging, the food at breakfast and for our one evening meal excellent, and would not hesitate in recommending to anyone.

Review 84：The staff were very friendly the made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. We booked dinner in advance for Saturday night and had a fantastic meal we could not fault the food or the service. Will definitely be back.

Review 85：Took us a little while to find how to get to the hotel but if you just follow the cobblestones up mermaid street (vehicle access is allowed) and wind your way around to Watchbell St you will be fine

Review 86：Situated in the heart of the old town in close proximity to the main sites of this remarkable medieval town. Intimate and friendly bar. Great food and friendly helpful staff. Good view over the valley from our room

Review 87：We arrived at the hotel and were shown to a 'Victorian Cottage' at the back of the premises. (We had requested a 'de luxe' room on our booking.com proposal.) There was no conversation about the change and the receptionist showed the ground floor only. We did not complain about this change at that time. We found a number of problems with this cottage, ranging from one window not able to be locked, no safe, broken and unusable shaving mirror, poor shower in a bath with no water pressure, etc. We indicated these issues prior to our first breakfast to the Receptionist. Nothing was done. We did discuss these points with the hotel director on departing the hotel. Our main point was why had we been put into this cottage when on booking (24 May) there were de luxe rooms available. He commented that we had been given a 'higher quality room' than a 'de luxe' room. I can find better ways of wasting £300 over two nights at the The Hope Anchor. Avoid the cottage! PS the Receptionist did reduce the bill by £25 for these issues.

Review 88：The location, the WiFi, the food.

Review 89：Slightly squashed en suite! In your review I cannot put an option for the type of traveller as mother/daughter is not an option.Group of friends is not correct, but I cannot post this without an answer. Please allow more options!

Review 90：The room in the eaves, with beams and super views was brilliant. The dinner was perfect. The staff couldn't have been more helpful. My daughter and I had a lovely catching up weekend, with long walks at Camber Sands and in the Nature Reserve.

Review 91：Undisciplined children making noise in the bar.

Review 92：Clean, comfortable yet individual. Excellent breakfast and good, tasty supper. Interesting and fascinating historic town - and your right in the old part so location excellent, even if parking a little open to chance. Would certainly stay there again

Review 93：The hotel was down some lovely winding streets in the heart of Rye, but was only a ten minute walk or so from restaurants and overlooked the harbour. We booked online and they upgraded us to a bigger room and very reasonable price included breakfast. Really recommend for a weekend stay or longer.

Review 94：Not being able to test their wonderful bedroom bath! ( see on their website) maybe next time.

Review 95：Kindly gave us a free stay ! This was due to failing supply of hot water after trouble with pluming/boiler. Such a nice gesture!! Thank you again.

Review 96：Welcome was warm and professional. Great staff, Malcolm, Arthur, Lilly and Victor. Owner/Manager Chris is a real gem of a person. We had stayed here before and decided to make this our bolt hole at least twice year. Superb rooms, very clean and tidy, food superb.

Review 97：Being picky, we would have liked a king size bed, but we chose a small double room, so we can't complain

Review 98：Everything! Great food, location, decor (we had a small double which was like a suite). Staff are always lovely, food is excellent.

Review 99：Polite, friendly and helpful staff. We were made most welcome. The quality of the food in the restaurant was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

Review 100：The decor is just starting to require a refresh.

Review 101：The room we had across from the hotel was excellent, nice bed and bedding great view. Evening meal in the restaurant we had was very good ( one of the best filet steaks I've had ). Well positioned for a visit to Rye.

Review 102：people in the corridor outside the room in the morning felt like they were actually inside there was so little sound proofing. Although it should be expected given the age of building and it really wasn't a big deal.

Review 103：Good breakfast. Helpful staff, very comfortable bed.

Review 104：cobbles and hills but that was only the nature of the town and nothing to do with the hotel!

Review 105：An excellent position to explore Rye which is truly wonderful

Review 106：our room was good but you need to sort the lighting out ,as ready was difficult as the lights were dim. also the curtains were very light and we were awakened by the early light.

Review 107：thr staff were friendly attentative the hotel was fresh and yet traditionally english and fitted so well in the medivial town of Rye. Our Dinner was really enjoyable and very good value. the staff were attentive as well as descrete. we stayed in the Sankey suite with wonderful views over the river and the marshes. We were locky to have parking as this is at a premium in the town

Review 108：The sankey suite was very nice only one complaint the two leather chairs need a damn good clean....

Review 109：Food excellent, breakfast was cooked to perfection, no snotty eggs ! We ate in the restaurant one time would have been happy to eat again but had a change.

Review 110：The location is superb with wonderful views from our room at the front of hotel. The breakfast was really nice and everything we wanted from a full English.

Review 111：Nothing to complain about

Review 112：Great location on the hillside edge in a historical cobbled street of the old town. Welcoming friendly staff and well furnished, if a little small, bedroom.

Review 113：Good location and excellent staff. Don't be put off by the very reasonable prices in the restaurant. The standard of food and service is high and represents great value for money.

Review 114：The room was cramped, and had no view out of the windows. There were two narrow tread steps leading down to the bathroom, with no grab rail, and the floor sloped downwards slightly towards the bathroom. The bathroom ceiling sloped at the top end of the bath, and I found it difficult to turn the taps on and off without banging my head. My partner had to stoop in order to use the mirror above the wash basin, whilst having a shave. Also, the room was above the kitchen, and a door kept banging almost continuously all evening.

Review 115：The staff were very friendly, and also very apologetic that we hadn't got the room we had requested. They said they had no contact from booking.com about our request for Castle View, Room 1, which was listed as available on the day I booked.

Review 116：We had an apartment room wich was dated. The wall paper was hanging off every where, the bathroom had mold in the coners.

Review 117：Staff, food and the bar all lovley

Review 118：the tv aerial connection not working & could have been rectified after first request but it wasn't fixed

Review 119：nice room and excellent breakfast, perfectly placed for exploring Rye also good that free parking was available, but as limited this may be on a first come basis

Review 120：The room locattion was at back with no view which was a disappointment. Kitchen smells ( burnt oil) outside room Parking was tricky.

Review 121：Staff and location excellent. Cleanliness. Food very good.

Review 122：Hotel was very good. Location ideal, very quiet but in the town with excellent views. We ate in the restaurant. The quality of the good was first class and service and staff could not be faulted.

Review 123：Possibly in time the chest of drawers and wardrobe in room 26 (or was it 36?) could be upgraded.

Review 124：Although staff were charming, they were professional and gave us the space we were seeking. Premises were clean and adequately comfortable.

Review 125：Parking can sometimes be a bit of a lottery but the staff are always helpful with suggestions.

Review 126：The Hope & Anchor has the best views in Rye being at the highest point. Comfortable rooms, friendly staff and excellent food. Very relaxing and a prime spot.

Review 127：Parking was fine for us, but in high season would probably be more difficult

Review 128：We stayed for two nights in December, the location was very good, easy walk down to town and great views from the hotel. The hotel restaurant had some good choices

Review 129：there was nothing i didn't like

Review 130：location was fab a short walk from high street and from harbor..you also get free parking at this hotel...staff were lovely so friendly ......breakfast was amazing cooked to order with plenty of cereals yogurts fruit and constants.